Fracture-setting apparatus.



J. H. WILTING.

FRACTURE SETTING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED FEB. I. 1916.

Patented June 27, 1916.

3 SHEETS-SHEET I Wdwewao attoznmao J. H. WILTING.

FRACTURE SETTING APPARATUS.

APPLlCATlON FILED FEB. 1, 1916.

l ,1 88,7 1 1 Patented June 27, 1916.

3 SHEETSSHEET 2.

widiweooao 50644 X.

atro'onup I J. H. WILTING.

FRACTURE SETTING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED FEB" 1, 19 16.

Patented June 27, 1916.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

SHOT/142,113

JOHN H. WILTING, 0F BUFFALO, NEW YORK.

FBACTURE-SETTING APPARATUS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented June 2'7, 1916.

Application filed February 1, 1916. Serial No. 75,581.

. To all whom it may concern.

New York, have invented certain new anduseful Improvements in Fracture-Setting Apparatus; and I do declare the following to be a full, clear,and exact description of the invention, such as will enable othersskilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

My'invention relates to improvements in devices for setting fracturedbones in the lower limbs or legs.

The object of the invention is to improve upon the generalconstructionof devices of this class to such an extent as to provide an extremelysimple, compact and light apparatus, yet one which will be highlyefficient and durable, possessing a number of advantageouscharacteristlcs.

With this general object in view, the invention resides in certain novelfeatures of construction and in unique combinations of parts to behereinafter fully described and claimed, the descriptive matter beingsup plemented by the accompanying drawings which constitute a part ofthis application and in which,

Figure 1 is a side elevation of the improved apparatus showing itsapplication to use; Fig. 2 is a top plan view; Figs. 3 and 4 aredetailed horizontal sectional views taken in different planes above thebase of the apparatus; Fig. 5 is an enlarged longitudinal section asseen on the plane indicated by the line 5-5 of Fig. 2; Fig. 6 is avertical transverse section taken on the planes of the lines 66 of Fig.5; Fig. 7 is an enlarged longitudinal section as viewed on the planeindicated by the line 77 of Fig. 3; Fig. 8 is a detail sectional view ofone of the leg pulling devices; Fig. 9 is a top plan view thereof; Fig.10 is a detail vertical section taken on the plane indicated by the line1010 of Fig. 8; Fig. 11 is an enlarged vertical section as viewed on theplane of the line 11-11 of Fig. 1; Fig. 12 is a detail longitudinalsection as seen on the plane of the line 12-12 of. Fig. 11; Fig. 13 is avertical transverse sectional view as seen on the plane represented bythe line 13-13 of Fig. 1; and Fig. 14 is a side elevation,

partly in section, of one of the leg support- 1ng arms.

In specifically describing the invention shown in the drawings abovebriefly described, similar reference characters will be placed oncorresponding parts throughout the several Views and reference will beherein made to the numerous elements by their respective indices. Tothis end, the numeral 1 represents a horizontal base preferably ofopenwork formation for the sake of lightness, said base being adapted torest upon a table top or the like 2 and to be secured thereon by anappropriate clamp 3. Rising from and formed integrally with the frontend of the base 1, is an upright tubular boss 4 whose bore isintersected by a horizontal pin 5 shown most clearly in Fig. 5, the borein question being adapted to receive therein the lower end of an uprightcrotch post 6 whose lower end is formed with vertical slots 7 receivingthe pin 5, whereby the post is held against rotation.

Mounted for vertical adjustment on the post 6 isa clamp 8 carrying apelvic support 9 which is positioned in rear of the post 6, the portionof the latter above the aforesaid clamp being provided with a tubularpad 10 slidable vertically thereon to pre vent injury to the patientwhen the apparatus is in use as shown in Fig. 1.

Formed integrally with the base 1 and with the boss 4, and positionedimmediately in rear ofthe latter, is a transversely disposed splitbearing 11 having a horizontal axis, a thumb screw 12 being provided forthe purpose of contracting said bearing around a horizontal rigidlyconstructed shaft 13 which passes through and projects beyond the endsthereof. As shown clearly in Fig. 6, the shaft 13 is preferably oftubular formation for the sake of lightness and is equipped with endcastings 14, having plugs inserted and secured therein, said castingsbeing provided with flat horizontal ends 15 preferably of circularcontour. Each of the ends 15 is formed with an upright threaded opening16 and with a pair of sockets 17 spaced upon an are described aroundsaid opening. Resting on the flat and threaded into the openings 16 (seemore particularly Fig. 7). Thus, when the screws 21 are tightened, thetwo arms 19 will be so secured to the shaft 13 as to allow them to movevertically in unison only, this being rather important for reasons yetto be described.

It is also important that, although the arms 19 be allowed to swinglaterally in dependently of each other, they be automatically limited intheir swinging movement to certain predetermined angular relations inrespect to a medial line extending forwardly from the center of the post6. This end has been accomplished by the provision of the sockets 17andrigid stop pins 22 which depend from the ends 18 of the arms 19.Thus, after the screws 21 are loosened and the ends 18 are raised, thepins 22 will rest' on the ends 15 and the shaft 13. This allows each arm19 to be moved laterally in the desired direction, but after the properamount of movement has been imparted thereto, the weight thereof willcause its pin 22 to drop immediately lnto the socket 17 which it hasapproached while moving the arm. Obviously, therefore, the provision ofthe sockets 17 and pins 22, automatically limits the arms 19 in theirlateral movement. 1

As above stated, the arms 19 are sectional, being shown in the presentembodiment of the invention as constructed of two tubular parts securedtogether by any appropriate style of slip joint such as that depicted at23 in Fig. 14. This provision is made in order that when disassemblingthe entire apparatus, the arms 19 need not be of such a length as torender the same cumbersome.

For supporting the arms 19 in their numerous vertically adjustedpositions, the vertically extensible and contractible stands 24 areemployed, said stands having appropriate slides 25 on their upper endsthrough which the aforesaid arms pass, as shown clearly in Fig. 1 of thedrawings.

Mounted slidably on the front ends of the arms 19 is a pair of clamps 26from which standards 27 rise, the upper ends of said standards beingequipped with integral longitudinally disposed tubular guides 28threaded on the front ends of said screws in contact with the front endsof the tubular guides 28. Furthermore, in order that the exact amount ofendwise movement imparted to the screws may be readily ascertained,micrometer graduations 37 are formed on the hubs 35 for cooperation withindicators 37 on the guides 28 (see more particularly Fig.9).

It may be well to here explain that before the graduations 37 areemployed, the clamps 26 are spaced equal distances from the ends oftheir respective arms 19, this being possible by the provision ofgraduations 38 on the front sections of said arms. Thus, after theclamps in question have been properly set and the hand wheels 36 areturned to such an extent as to allow the screws 29 to project rearwardlyequal distances from the guides 28, the fractured limb can be pulled thenecessary amount to set the fracture, and by proper use of themicrometer graduations 37 there will be no danger of setting the breakin such a manner as to cause the injured leg to be of a greater or lesslength than the other. It is to be observed that this result can beaccurately obtained without the use of measuring both limbs as is nowthe usual custom when using machines of the general class to which myinvention relates. I therefore consider this an extremely salientfeature of the invention. a

In setting fractures. as above mentioned, it becomes highly expedient toprovide rests for the damaged parts of the limb or limbs. To this end, Ihave provided a number of substantially semi-cylindrical leg engagingplates 39 having sockets 40 on their under sides receiving therein thelaterally offset upper ends of standards 41, the latter being verticallyslotted and pivotally and slidably secured by set screws 42 to clamps4:3 slidably mounted onthe arms 19. Obviously, the screws 42 allow thenecessary adjustments of the standards 41 for properly positioning therests 39 beneath the injured parts of the limbs.

Particular emphasis is laid upon the fact that the rests 39 aredetachably connected with the standards 41. This is highly essential,since after the break has been set, either a bandage or a plaster ofParis cast may be applied around not only the injured limb, but aroundthe rest '39. The latter may therefore remain upon the patients leg toserve as a splint, while the fracture is knitting.

I wish to also emphasize that the rests 39 are formed of wood fiber orother appropriate material through which X-ray photographs may be taken,this being highly desirable in order that the condition of the injuredbone may be ascertained while the patient is positioned upon theapparatus.

I have hereinbefore stated the manner in which the patients legs may beprevented from varying in length when setting a fracture, but it is tobe understood that the mounting of the arms 19 is essential in orderthat the desired results may be obtained. This particular mountingprevents one arm 19 from being positioned in a plane above the other, orvice versa, always insuring that the two arms be disposed in the sameplane. Furthermore, the pins and sockets 22 and 17 respectively, serveto hold the aforesaid arms in the same angular relations in respect tothe medial line. Obviously, all of this is essential, since if both legsof the patient did not extend at the same angle from his body, accuratemeasurements could not be made by the micrometer graduations 37 abovedescribed.

The entire apparatus is constructed of such proportions as to render itexceedingly light in comparison with other similar devices, the entireweight of the apparatus being only thirty-five pounds. This allows thenumerous parts of the invention to be disassembled and packed within acase of approximately the size of an ordinary suitcase, whereupon it maybe readily taken from place to place by physicians to be used whenfractures are to be set at the patients home or at other points remotefrom that at which the physicians apparatus is kept. Also, the lightweight of the improved apparatus and the compactness with which it maybe packed in its case, renders it readily portable to numerous rooms inhospitals and the like where its use may be needed.

The case above described may be laid 'upon the table top 2 in rear ofthe pelvis support 9, after the apparatus has been assembled for use.Thus, said case may serve as a rest for the torso of the invalid.

I may here explain that I am aware that in devices similar to my own,pelvic suports similar to that disclosed by me have been used, but I amnot aware that such supports have been rendered vertically adjustable asabove described. This is essential, since when operating upon acorpulent person, the support must be much lower than otherwise, thisbeing necessary in order that the post 6, even though it be padded, maynot cause pain to the invalid by improper relation in respect to thehuman pelvis.

From the foregoing, when considered in connection with the accompanyingdrawings, the construction, manner of operation, and numerous advantagesof the invention will be readily understood without requiring a morextended explanation. In conclusion, however, I will state that theimproved apparatus has been successfully employed by reputablephysicians and hospitals in this country and has been found to be muchmore efficient, yet lighter and less costly, than other apparatusesheretofore employed.

I claim 1. A fracture setting apparatus comprising a pelvic support, arigidly constructed transverse horizontal shaft revolubly mounted belowthe same, a pair of forwardly extending leg supporting arms pivoted attheir rear ends to the ends of said shaft upon upright axes whereby theymay be swung vertically only in unison and to the same extent, andwhereby they may be also swung laterally, means for limiting the lateralswinging of said arms to a number of fixed angular relations in respectto a medial line, means for supporting the arms in their verticallyadjusted positions, leg pulling means at the front ends of said arms,and means for preventing the patients body from moving forwardly whensaid pulling means is in operation.

2. A fracture setting apparatus comprising a. pelvic support, a rigidlyconstructed transverse horizontal shaft revolubly mounted below the sameand having fiat horizontal ends each formed with an upright threadedopening and with a series of upright sockets spaced on an are describedaround said opening, a pair of forwardly extending leg supporting armshaving flat horizontal rear ends resting on the flat ends of the shaftand formed with openings alined with the aforesaid openings, upright setscrews passing through the openings in the ends of the arms and threadedinto those in the ends of the shaft, rigid stop pins depending from saidends of the arms for reception in the aforesaid sockets, whereby tolimit the horizontal movement of said arms to a number of predeterminedangular relations in respect to a medial line, means for supporting thearms in their vertically adjusted positions, leg pulling means at thefront ends of said arms, and means for preventing the patients body frommoving forwardly when said pulling means is in operation.

3. A fracture setting apparatus having a leg supporting arm, a standardrising from said arm, and a fracture supporting plate having adetachable connection with the upper end of said standard, whereby itmay be bound to the patients limb to remain thereon until knitting ofthe fracture takes place.

4. A fracture setting apparatus having a. leg supporting arm, a standardrlsing from said arm, and a fracture supporting plate carried by saidstandard and constructed, of

- non-pliable material through which X-ray plate having a detachableconnection. with the standard whereby it may be bound to the patientslimb to remain thereon until knitting of the fracture takes place.

6. A fracture setting apparatus comprising a pelvic support, a pair ofleg supporting arms extending forwardly in respect thereto and capableof swinging vertically in unison only and to the same extent, said armsbeing also capable of laterally swinging, means for limiting the lateralmovement of said arms to a number of predetermined angular relationsinrespect to a medial line, a pair of standards rising from the front endsof the arms and having longitudinally disposed tubular guides on theirupper ends, a air of'horizontal screws mounted slidably ut non-rotatablyin said guides, foot stirrups connected to the rear ends of said screws,hand wheels having hubs threaded on the'front endsthereof in contactwith the front ends of the guides, cooperating indicating means on thehubs and guides v whereby the amount of movement imparted to the screwsby rotation'of the hand wheels may be accurately determined, and meansfor preventing the patients body from moving forwardly when the screwsare moved by rotation of the hand wheels.

7. A fracture setting apparatus comprising a pelvic support, a pair ofleg supporting arms extending forwardly in respect thereto and capableof swinging vertically in unison only and to the same extent, said armsbeing also capable of lateral swinging, means for limiting the lateralmovement of said arms to a number of predetermined angular relations inrespect to a medial line, a pair of standards rising from the arms andhaving clamps slidable thereon, graduations on said arms wherebybothstandards may be set equal distances from the ends thereof,

a pair of foot stirrups, a pair of pulling de ed below the same, a pairof forwardly eX- tending leg supporting arms pivoted at their rear endsto the ends of said shaft upon upright axes whereby they may be swungvertically only in unison and to the same extent, and whereby they mayalso swing laterally, means for supporting the arms in their adjustedpositions leg pulling means at the front ends of said arms, and meansfor preventing the patients body from moving forwardly when said pullingmeans is in operation.

9. A fracture setting apparatus comprising a pelvic support, a pair ofleg supportmg arms extending forwardly in respect thereto, a pair ofstandards rising from the arms and having clamps slidable thereon,graduations on said arms whereby both standards may be set equaldistances from the ends thereof, a pair of foot stirrups, a pair ofpulling devices carried by the standards and connected to said stirrupsfor exerting a pull on the patients limbs, indicating means foraccurately determining the amount of movement imparted to said stirrupsby the pulling devices, and means for preventing the patients body frommoving forwardly when said devices are in use.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in presence of twosubscribing witnesses.

JOHN H. LTING. Witnesses:

THOMAS C. HALEY, JAMns CANIERo.

(all

